Truck Driver Rescued in Sinaw, While Citizen's Body Found in Manah
atalities and rescues mark severe flooding in Oman as heavy rains continue through Friday; authorities warn against crossing wadis.
- Publish date: Thursday، 26 March 2026 Reading time: 3 min reads
Tragedy and rescue efforts marked a day of severe weather in Oman on Wednesday and Thursday, as flash floods swept through several governorates following intense rainfall.
In the Wilayat of Manah, a citizen was found dead after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in a wadi on Wednesday evening, March 25. A joint search operation involving fellow citizens and competent authorities located the body on Thursday, March 26.
In a separate incident in the Wilayat of Sinaw, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) successfully executed a dramatic rescue. A truck driver of Asian nationality was airlifted to safety after his vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a wadi. The Police Aviation team responded swiftly, and the driver was reported to be in good condition following the operation.
Record Rainfall and Ongoing Storms
The incidents come amid a period of exceptional rainfall. According to monitoring stations operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Wilayat of Ibra recorded the highest volume of rain between Friday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 25, measuring 292 millimeters. Other heavily affected areas included Bahla (212mm), Al Mudhaibi (190mm), Dima Wa Al Ta'yeen (188mm), Al Qabil (186mm), and Izki (176mm).
The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, operating under the Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that the Sultanate will continue to face unstable weather conditions. Heavy thunderstorms are expected to begin after midnight tonight and persist through Friday.
The weather system is projected to initially impact the northern and central governorates, including Musandam, Al Buraimi, North and South Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, and Al Dakhiliyah. The conditions are expected to gradually extend to Muscat, North and South Al Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta. Parts of Dhofar Governorate may also experience scattered, occasionally thundery rainfall.
Severe Warnings Issued
Authorities have issued stark warnings regarding the severity of the incoming weather. Rainfall intensity is expected to vary, with periods of very heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms.
These conditions pose a high risk of flash floods in wadis and low-lying areas, with some valleys expected to experience torrential flows. Additionally, strong downdrafts with wind speeds ranging between 20 and 50 knots are anticipated.
The Police and the Early Warning Center have urgently appealed to citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution. The public is advised to avoid crossing flooded valleys, stay clear of low-lying areas, and refrain from going to sea during the warning period. The emphasis remains on not attempting to cross wadis, even if the water appears shallow, as flash floods can occur rapidly and with devastating force.